I wanted to ask from an idea that pops into your head for a dress design, how long does it take to be the finished article that you are pleased with.

Take the dress for the final night gala with wings etc, did you make this before or was that the prototype? and how many man/womam hours go into the design.

I've just seen that it's also Koen's birthday today, so pass on my best to him and I'll give him a big sloppy kiss when I see him at the millennium jam in a few weeks.

Hi Colin!
yes i am also very surprised that Koen can use his head for something else than pouring beer in it
Stuck in an elevator...hmmm... Of course with graham and you for the obvious reasons but probably on the second place there would be the elevator repair man because I hate small spaces. I also would like to be stuck in an elevator with Bach, but there is not much use to that unless there is a piano in the elevator.

In 5 years I would still like to be making balloondresses for the bigger events, and by then I have hopefully a bigger working space.

My favourite balloon artist in the world...that is difficult if i can not choose you and graham.... I really admire Rie's work because I think she lifted the balloon industry to another level. But I am also a big fan of Sean Rooney, what he can do with that balloonbass.... rrrrrrrrr....it gives me the chills.

13, What is your favourite/ideal gig to do?

Smaller corporate events with only adults.

14, What irritates you most at a gig?

Grandmothers!!!! do I need to say more??? every working balloonartist will know what I mean.

16, What’s the biggest thing you’ve ever made?

I myself do not really make big things, the butterfly dress in China is probably the biggest solo thing I have made.
I have helped with an 18 meter horse out of linkoloons, it was a project of Guido Verhoef. A lot of other crazy balloon people helped with this project; Colin, Bidou, Koen, Wily Monroe, etc....

17, What has been your proudest achievement in our wonderful world of twisted latex?

Win the fashionshow at TMJ

18, What advice would you give to someone starting out, or wanting to increase their business?
Focus! Do not try to do everything but choose your specialty.

19, What road in latex do you see yourself taking in the future

I think I will probably make balloondresses for the next years. I have some projects coming but if I tell then I have to kill you.

20, What is your personal goal when you set off to work? Is it money or to entertain etc?

It depends on the gig/work.
My goal with balloondresses is always to create something beautiful, something perfect. But I mostly do it for myself, I have a creative thing that needs to come out and I do not really think about the entertaining value of it. If people like it, it is a surplus for me but if they don't, they don''t. I will make it anyway. For my balloondresses I do no care as much for the money as on twisting gigs,because it is more my passion.

22, If you could start all over again, would you change anything?

Probably not. If I could start over with the knowledge of the balloonbusiness that I have now, than I would probaly loose a lot less energy on people who only talk the talk but not walk the walk.

23, How would you like the future of balloon modelling to develop?

hmmm difficult one...my answer will probably too long, too strange, too boring, so i am going to skip this one. If you really want to know ask me when we meet.

24, Who's the most famous person you have made a balloon creation for?

some tv hosts for the netherlands and belgium, but nobody knows them once you go across the border. Oh and of course the king of belgium but i would not call him famous.

25, How do you keep the enthusiasm going & what still excites you about our great world of latex

Enthusiasm is easy because with balloon is the sky the limit, so each day you can do different stuff and it never gets boring. ( or not yet anyway)

26, What inspires or is your thought process in coming up with a new design

see question 23

Sofie, Could you tell Colin then

Hi Sofie,

I have some balloon related questions for u.
My girlfriend is going away for a whole week to to a balloon convention without me.

How dous a lonley balloonartist survive on his own ?
What should he eat ?
Can he survive on pizza and beer ?
what do u do when all the dishes are dirty ?
How do i know what to wear ?
and how do i prevent that strange smell in my clothes ?

I would like to ask you who you would most like to make something from balloons for and why?
What would you make them?

Sofie, Thanks for taking the time to answer the questions for the members.

Sofie is on her way to America for the float balloon convention and then gets back and straight to the millennium jam.
I'll try and twist her arm to answer any outstanding questions but she is a very busy lady

Hi Sofie,

I have some balloon related questions for u.
My girlfriend is going away for a whole week to to a balloon convention without me.

How dous a lonley balloonartist survive on his own ?
What should he eat ?
Can he survive on pizza and beer ?
what do u do when all the dishes are dirty ?
How do i know what to wear ?
and how do i prevent that strange smell in my clothes ?

_________________
Dear Koen,

First of all let me just say that your girlfriend is stupid to go without you to a balloonconvention. What will she do and more important; what will she drink without you there.

But to answer your question. I think the best way to survive this lonelyness when she is away, is to clean the house. it will really take your mind off missing her. You can wash the windows, that is very therapeutic. And i think she will love you forever if you sort out her balloonboxes. Than she will be happy when she comes back and feel guilty that she did not take such a cool guy with her to the balloonconvention.
You can survive on pizza and beer...is there another diet then?
About the clothing.... do not put cheese in the pockets of your coat and the smell will stay away.

I wish you all the best during this week of hell, hunger and confusion.

We will all say a prayer for you.